Sundance for Our Soldiers (SOS)

Is a 501(c)3 Not-For Profit whose mission is to provide free Equine-Assisted Learning Services to active military, reserves, veterans of all ages and dependants.

The Legacy of Sundance

Charlie (Sundance) Sundeen

Sundance for Our Soldiers (SOS) was created to help soldiers and their dependents suffering from combat stress, PTSD or just need a healthy change in life. Charles Sundeen (Sundance) was a survivor of being an at-risk youth, a survivor of many health issues and a dedicated Korean Veteran who lived a life with the signs of combat stress. He had a deep compassion for his fellow military service members. After his death it became apparent that he suffered with signs and symptoms of PTSD and combat stress from the Korean War. To cope and build resiliency for his own survival he surrounded himself with horses. That was his saving grace throughout a challenging life. There were moments during his life that he had as many as 20 (possibly more) horses including racehorses, broodmares, yearlings, foals, riding horses and even a horseback riding stable. He left behind a legacy of a great horseman and a veteran who endured many hardships but still persevered through all his troubles.

SOS uses Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning (EAL) to help other soldiers just like him who need help so they can lead a healthy happier life. He never had a desire to go sit in a therapist’s office but if he knew EAP and EAL existed, where the therapy took place in a horse arena rather than a therapist office, he would be the first person in line to receive services. That’s how powerful horses are and he knew that from his own experiences.